Rays' minor leaguer Bivens bids emotional farewell to family

Tampa Bay Rays minor leaguer Blake Bivens took to Instagram on Thursday to bid an emotional farewell to his family members after his wife, 1-year-old son, and mother-in-law were killed earlier this week in what police are investigating as a triple homicide.

Two days ago my heart was turned to ash. My life as I knew it is destroyed. The pain my family and I feel is unbearable and cannot be put into words. I shake and tremble at the thought of our future without them. Emily, my sweetheart, you are the best wife and mother this world has ever seen. You made me into the man I am today and you loved me with all of my flaws. You brought our precious baby boy into this world and made our family complete. Your love and kindness changed countless lives, including mine.

My sweet little boy, dada loves you so much! I can't breathe without you here. I finally understood what love was when you were born and I would have done anything for you. You have changed my life forever, you are my reason why. I long to hold the both of you again in heaven. I'm so glad you are with all your great-grandmothers now, I know they are eating you up. This earth did not deserve either of you; you were just too wonderful to comprehend.

Joan, you were the best mother-in-law anyone could ask for. You loved your family more than anyone I've ever seen. You raised the most wonderful girl in the world. I'm so glad y'all are still together. You were the best Nana this world has ever seen and I will never forget you.

Skip, you are a wonderful father and grandfather. We will get through this together as a family. We will not let the devil win!

Thank you God for giving me the most wonderful family in the world! I've been blessed beyond belief. Thank you to all my family and friends who have reached out to me during this time of sorrow. Thank you @raysbaseball @biscuitbaseball for your support through everything. I am comforted by all the messages and well wishes. I'm not sure what is next for me, but I do know God has a plan even though I can't see it.

Bivens is away from the Montgomery Biscuits - the Rays' Double-A affiliate - indefinitely. During Thursday's game, the Biscuits honored him by painting "BIV" behind home plate and wearing "BIV" patches on their hats.

Players and fans held a moment of silence prior to the contest - the first at Riverwalk Stadium since Tuesday's doubleheader was canceled in wake of the tragedy.

A GoFundMe campaign named after Bivens' wife Emily, which originally had a goal of $1,000, had raised more than $55,000 as of Friday morning.